Speeches

Secretary LaHood is a tough act to follow. But I am delighted to be here today to talk about a cause that is urgent and personalnot just for me but for all of us gathered here today. As President Obama has said, there are "any number of actions we can take as a nation to enhance our competitiveness and secure a better future for our people.

It is a great honorand a sobering oneto speak at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Here, 45 years ago, a recalcitrant state and governor slowly, begrudgingly, were forced to make due on the American promise of equal opportunity.

Last July, I joined with President Obama to kick off the Race to the Top. This competition, which was funded through the Recovery Act with the support of Congress, put unprecedented resources$4.35 billion dollarson the table to reward states that are ready to dramatically re-shape America's educational system.

This is an extraordinary time for all of us in the field of education. One year ago, schools throughout the country were facing an education catastrophe. One estimate said that 600,000 jobs were at risk. Working together, the President and Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act with $100 billion for education.

Thank you. I want to talk to you today about a paradox that can handcuff efforts at education reform. The paradox is this: Everyone in this hall would agree that great teachers and principals hold the key to America's children getting a first-rate educationnothing is more important.

Thank you for inviting me to speak to you today. I'm thrilled that Andre Lewis, our new Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Education, could join me here this afternoon. This position was included in the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act because Congressman Holt and his colleagues recognized the need for leadership in international education in the U.S.

Thank you for inviting me to address this group of valued colleagues and championsit is wonderful to be here among so many people committed to guaranteeing an excellent education for every child in America.

Thank you for inviting me to speak to you today. I have been in my job in Washington for a little over six months now, and I've been privileged to get to know many of you and to learn about and recognize in many of our national conversations the extraordinary work of AAC&U.